On August 23, 2009, England defeated Australia in the fifth and final Test of The Ashes played at The Oval by 197 runs. With this famous victory, England claimed a 2-1 series win and regained The Ashes urn
under Andrew Strauss’ captaincy. At the toss, English skipper Strauss emerged victorious against his counterpart Ricky Ponting and elected to bat first. Riding on Strauss’ 55 and Ian Bell’s 72, England put up a total of 332 on the board in their first innings. Peter Siddle took four wickets for Australia while Ben Hilfenhaus also picked up three wickets. Mitchell Johnson also scalped two wickets.
Following the competitive score, Australia got bundled out on 160 in their first innings after batting for 52.5 overs. Stuart Broad played the role of destroyer-in-chief and claimed a fifer. The pacer got support from Graeme Swann, who got four wickets. Andrew Flintoff also got one wicket. In the second innings, Strauss and Jonathan Trottt solidified England’s position as the skipper chipped in with his 75 off 191 while Trott also hammered 119 runs off 193 balls. Swann, who shone with the ball in the first innings, notched up 63 off just 55 from his bat. England declared their second innings at a score of 373/9 and delivered a colossal target of 546 to the Aussie side.
Australia capitulated while pursuing 546-run target at The Oval
Chasing the massive target, Australia’s top four batters exhibited discipline. Shane Watson and Simon Katich played the knocks of 40 and 43 respectively. Aussie skipper Ponting also racked up 66 while Mike Hussey produced a superb knock of 121. In the middle-order, wicketkeeper batter Brad Haddin played a 34-run innings off 49 balls.
However, these batting contributions weren’t enough for Australia to evade the defeat. On the fourth day of the match, Hussey fell against Swann and with this wicket, the Aussies surrendered on 348 in their second innings. Swann clinched four wickets again while Steve Harmison got three wickets. Broad got the player of the match (POTM) award for his stunning bowling performance in the first innings.
